Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is an incredibly popular destination with a fascinating and long history and a tangible personality. Nicknamed Auld Reekie and Athens of the North, Edinburgh is multifaceted and effortlessly enchants its visitors and captures their imaginations.

The city is particularly beautiful and is filled with some of the grandest architecture, displaying the historical roots of the city. From the ancient castle that looks over the city, to the cathedrals and churches which are scattered across the city. Many of these buildings have fascinating histories and beautiful designs, giving Edinburgh even more character.

As well as its great beauty, Edinburgh is also known for its culture, with events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a long history with literary figures, holding the title of the first UNESCO City of Literature. The city has also been home to well-known names such as Sean Connery, Charles Darwin, and J. K. Rowling, who wrote much of the Harry Potter series in Edinburgh.

5 Things You Need to Know About Edinburgh

If you’re planning on visiting Edinburgh, it’s a good idea to think about some of the basics before you board your plane to make sure you’re prepared.

Time Difference: UTC +0 hoursCurrency: Pound Sterling (£)Native Language: EnglishWeather: You can expect fairly consistent weather when you visit Edinburgh as the UK doesn’t tend to experience weather extremes. The summers are usually relatively warm and pleasant and the winters cold and wet. However, no matter what time of year you visit, it’s always a good idea to prepare for rain! Sales Tax: 20%

Flying to Edinburgh From the US

Here’s everything you might need to know about flying from the US to Edinburgh, including flight times and entry requirements:

Flight Times

There are a number of different routes to Edinburgh, so depending on where you fly from, the journey can take as little as six and a half hours when you take a direct flight from New York.

However, if you choose to fly from some other cities across the US, you may need to take a more indirect route which can take considerably longer.

Entry Requirements

As a US citizen, you can travel to the UK and stay for up to six months without a visa.

Airlines That Fly to Edinburgh

You can find direct flights from the US to Edinburgh from a number of airlines, including:

- United
- Delta
- American Airlines
- TUI

The Airport

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Edinburgh’s airport is close to the city centre, so it’s easy to make your way into the city. The tram runs every seven minutes and can get you into the city centre in just 30 minutes, costing around £6.00 ($7.75) Alternatively, you can take the bus or train to the city.

10 Edinburgh Must-Dos

Edinburgh is the perfect city for tourists, with so much to see and do, you may struggle to fit it all in. Here are just our top ten ‘must-dos’: